Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled shrimp marinated in tequila and lime juice served in corn tortillas with a crisp avocado and cabbage slaw for a fresh, zesty taco experience. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp peeled and deveined, tequila, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp in tortillas and topping with a generous scoop of avocado slaw. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tequila from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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